Potato Run
Harrison Crawford Forest Horse Camp to Ohio River (2 miles)
| Difficulty | I-II(III) |
| Length | 2.7 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 46 fpm |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 28, 2025 |
River Description
Quick Facts:
Location: about 35 miles west of Louisville, KY.
Shuttle Length: ~2 miles.
Put-in is approximately 515' (or perhaps more likely 450-460') elevation.
Take-out is approximately 380' elevation.
Thus total elevation change is approximately 135' (or more likely 70-80').
River Features
Drainage: ~3 sq.mi.
Drainage area at our listed put-in is approximately 3 sq.mi., and the '10%/85%' gradient upstream of the put in is 88 FPM. (as calculated via USGS StreamStats Beta software). Which says this is extremely small, thus will only run with major snowmelt or heavy rains, and will run out very quickly (very 'flashy').
Put In
Initial info suggested put-in from Horsemen's Campground off Potato Run Road, while another source suggested just a tad further up at Cold Friday Road.
Topo maps show considerable gradient between the two locations. (After an initial bit of moving water, it drops on the order of 60' in just over a tenth of a mile!) Is this an unrunnable falls or a potential opportunity for the vertically addicticted? Anyone have firsthand/eyes-on info? REPORT!
Alternate put-in
Likely a more 'sane' put-in may be from Horsemen's Campground (at the base of the above steep gradient).
A significant number of trails in Harrison-Crawford State Forest (river-left) and O'bannon Woods State Park (river-right) will allow hiking and scouting significant portions of this creek.
Take Out
Take out will be at the Ohio River (or a bit shy of it) at a picnic grounds on river-right of this creek.
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